Toothbrush

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are toothbrushes. The toothbrushes are self-standing and are oriented in an upright position when resting on a support surface. In some arrangements, the toothbrush can have a stamp. A closure of the toothbrush can be removed to expose the stamp. The toothbrush has an ink source that deposits ink on the stamp. A receiving stand configured to receive the lower portion of the toothbrush can maintain the toothbrush in a generally vertical orientation.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/707,388, filed Aug. 11, 2005, and U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/709,215, filed Aug. 18, 2005, both herein incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present inventions relate to dental hygiene and, more particularly,to toothbrushes.

2. Description of the Related Art

To ensure proper oral care, dentists recommend that we brush our teethmore than once a day for at least two to three minutes each time.Despite this recommendation, the average adult person does not brush hisor her teeth for two to three minutes. This problem is worse withchildren, who have notoriously short attention spans and often viewbrushing their teeth as a chore. Accordingly, there is a general needfor a device that encourages people, specially children, to brush theirteeth more often and for longer periods of time. See e.g., U.S. PatentPublication No. 2004-0143920, filed Jan. 24, 2003 and published on Jul.29, 2004, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a self-standing toothbrush comprises a stamp. Thestamp is configured to leave an impression on a surface. In somearrangements, the stamp is unexposed when the toothbrush is in a firstposition. When the toothbrush is in a second position, the stamp can beexposed for stamping. In some arrangements, a closure is used to coverand conceal the stamp. The first position can correspond to when theclosure is attached to the toothbrush. The second position cancorrespond to when the closure is separated from the toothbrush. In somearrangements, the toothbrush comprises an ink source. Ink from the inksource can be deposited on the stamp.

In some embodiments, a toothbrush comprises an upper portion and a lowerportion. The lower portion is removably coupled to the upper portion.When the lower portion is separated from the upper portion, a stamp isexposed. The stamp can be coupled to the upper portion. Alternatively,the stamp can be coupled to the lower portion. In some embodiments,lower portion is a closure. The stamp can be concealed when the closureis attached to the upper portion.

In some embodiments, the toothbrush further includes a stand memberwhich is configured to receive the lower portion of the toothbrush andmaintain it in a substantially vertical position. In another embodiment,the stand member includes at least one support member.

In some embodiments, the toothbrush further includes one or moreillumination circuits. The illumination circuits can include a lightingelement, a switch, a timing circuit, a resistor, a power supply and/orthe like.

In some embodiments, a toothbrush comprises a head that includes aplurality of cleaning elements. A body of the toothbrush has an upperend and a bottom. The head is coupled to the upper end of the body. Thebottom is configured such that the toothbrush assumes a neutralposition, when gravity acts on the toothbrush resting on a supportsurface. In some embodiments, the toothbrush is a self-standingtoothbrush. In other embodiments, the toothbrush further includes one ormore illumination circuits. The illumination circuits can include alighting element, a switch, a timing circuit, a resistor, a power supplyand/or the like.

In some embodiments, the toothbrush further comprises a base on whichthe toothbrush is configured to be positioned. The bottom of thetoothbrush and the base include magnets which are configured to repeleach other so as to bias the toothbrush in generally upright positionwhen the toothbrush is placed on the base.

In some embodiments, a toothbrush has a stamp configured to make animpression. The toothbrush can have an ink supply that can deliver inkto the stamp. The stamp can be used before, during, and/or after thetoothbrush is utilized.

In some embodiments, a stand member is configured to receive and supporta toothbrush in a generally vertical position. The stand member mayinclude a shell portion having an internal space into which a toothbrushcan be positioned and one or more support members, attached to the shellportion and configured to maintain the position of the stand member on agenerally flat surface. In other embodiments, the support members areshaped like feet. In yet another embodiment, the shell of the standmember includes at least one opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention are decsribed with reference to drawings of certain preferredembodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, thepresent invention. The drawings include twenty-one (21) figures. It isto be understood that the attached drawings are for the purpose ofillustrating concepts of the present invention and may not be to scale.

FIG. 1 is an elevation front view of a self-standing toothbrush;

FIG. 1A is an elevation front view of a self-standing toothbrush inaccordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body of the toothbrush of FIG. 1,wherein the body has a stamp;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 taken alonga line 3-3;

FIG. 4 illustrates the toothbrush of FIG. 1 resting on a supportsurface, the toothbrush is in an oblique position;

FIG. 5 illustrates the toothbrush of FIG. 4 in a generally uprightposition;

FIG. 6A is an elevation side view of a bottom of a toothbrush inaccordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 6B is an elevation side view of a bottom of a toothbrush inaccordance with yet another embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush having a removableclosure with a stamp;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a toothbrush having a removableclosure;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 8, wherein theclosure has been removed;

FIG. 8C is another perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is an elevation front view of a toothbrush with a receivingstand according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9B is an elevation front view of the self-standing toothbrush andreceiving stand of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is an elevation side view of the toothbrush and receiving standof FIG. 9B taken along section 9C-9C;

FIG. 10 is an elevation front view of a toothbrush with a receivingstand according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic of an illumination circuit for a toothbrushaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an illumination circuit without apower supply according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12B is a bottom view of the illumination circuit of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C is a top perspective view of the illumination circuit of FIG.12A; and

FIG. 13 is a side view of one embodiment of a toothbrush grip portionand the illumination circuit of FIG. 12A.

NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to (copyright or mask work) protection. The (copyrightor mask work) owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction byany-one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appearsin the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwisereserves all (copyright or mask work) rights whatsoever.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a self-standing toothbrush 40 that is in a generallyupright position on a support surface 44. The toothbrush 40 comprises atoothbrush head 48, a body 50, and a closure 60 attached temporarily tothe body 50. The closure 60 is configured so that the toothbrush 40assumes a preferred position (e.g., a neutral position) when thetoothbrush 40 rests on the support surface 44. A stamp is concealed whenthe closure 60 is attached to the body 50. However, the closure 60 canbe removed from the body 50 to expose the stamp 70 (FIG. 2). The stamp70 can be used to place ink onto a surface before, during, and/or aftera person brushes with the toothbrush 40. For example, after a person(e.g., a child) brushes their teeth, the person can stamp their skin toindicate that they have brushed their teeth. A child can stamp theirskin to indicate that they have brushed their teeth. A parent can usethe presence or absence of the stamp on the child's skin to determinewhether the child has brushed their teeth. Additionally, the stampingprocess can increase enjoyment of the brushing process.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the head 48 can comprise a pluralityof cleaning elements 74 configured to clean a person's teeth. Thetoothbrush head 48 is integrally mounted to the body 50, which extendsdownwardly and is attached to the closure 60. The illustrated cleaningelements 74 are in the form of a plurality of bristles extending from amounting head 76. The bristles 74 are fixedly coupled to the mountinghead 76. However, the bristles 74 can also be rotatably mounted to themounting head 76. For example, the toothbrush 40 can be an automatictoothbrush (e.g., a motorized toothbrush) that rotates the bristles 74when turned ON. The toothbrush can comprise a power source, motor (e.g.,an electric motor), a drive mechanism, etc. for rotating the bristles74. The power source can comprise one or more batteries, a power outlet,or other power supply that power an automatic toothbrush. For the sakeof convenience, the illustrated toothbrush 40 is a manual toothbrush.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the body 50 extends from themounting head 76 to the closure 60 and comprises one or more decorativeelements 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the decorative element 66comprises a chamber 100 that can contain one or more fluids. In otherembodiments, the decorative element may include two or more chambers.The illustrated chamber 100 contains a first fluid 102 and a secondfluid 104. The first fluid 102 has a different density and color thanthe first fluid 104, such that the fluids 102, 104 separate to formsomewhat discrete layer, each having a different color. When thetoothbrush 40 is moved, the fluids 102, 104 can mix and produce aneye-catching mixture. The mixing effect can encourage a person to brushtheir teeth. Any number of fluids of any color can be contained withinthe chamber 100. However, the toothbrush 40 may not have a chamber insome embodiments. For example, the body 50 can be of a solidconstruction.

One or more decorative members 106 can extend through the chamber 100and is surrounded by the fluids 102, 104. The illustrated decorativemember 106 comprises an elongated member upon which a character, in theform of a bird, is mounted. It will be appreciated, however, that one ormore other decorative members, such as for example, other animals,cartoon characters and the like, can be included in the chamber 100,either in lieu of or in addition to the illustrated bird. In otherembodiments, the decorative member 106 can include text, a logo, asymbol, an identifier and/or other type of graphic. For example, themanufacturer's name and/or trademark may be included in the chamber 100.In another embodiment, the decorative member 106 may comprise textidentifying a user's name. In yet other embodiments, the user may beallowed to freely customize the toothbrush by removing or installing oneor more decorative members 106. Any number of decorative members can bepositioned within the body 50. In some embodiments, the decorativemember comprises one or more lighting elements that can be activated fora desired length of time. The illustrated toothbrush 40 has a singlelighting element 107.

One or more lighting elements or other sensory devices, such as, forexample, audible members, vibrating members, articulating members or thelike, can be activated at any time. For example, the lighting element107 of the toothbrush 40 can be activated when the toothbrush 40 ismoved, such as during normal brushing. Alternatively, the lightingelements can be activated when the toothbrush 40 undergoes a targettemperature change or is exposed to a fluid, such as water. In someembodiments, the lighting elements are activated when the closure 60 isremoved, the stamp 70 is pressed against a surface, or a switch is movedto an ON position.

The lighting element can remain activated for a desired length of time,preferably corresponding to a desired brush period. The lighting elementcan effectively function as a timer to ensure that a person utilizes thetoothbrush 40 for a target period of time.

The lighting element 107 can comprise a light source (e.g., a diode)powered by a power source (e.g., a battery). The lighting element canpulse, remain continuously activated for the entire brushing period, orhave a programmed sequence of activation. The lighting element can beactivated to make brushing more enjoyable.

The lighting elements can be positioned within the closure 60, coupledto the decorative element 66 (illustrated), in the fluid contained inthe chamber 100, within the body 50, or so at any other suitablelocation for a lighting element.

FIG. 1A illustrates a toothbrush in accordance with another embodiment.A lighting element 107A is positioned proximate to the closure 60. Theillustrated lighting element 107A is positioned above the stamp (seeFIG. 2) and can blink as desired. In some embodiments, when the closure60 is removed, the lighting element 107A blinks for a target length oftime. The lighting element 107 illuminates at least a portion of thebody 50, such as the fluid 102 in the chamber 100. The fluid 102 can bean oil or other suitable liquid for illumination.

For purposes of powering, controlling and/or effecting the lightingelement 107 or other sensory device, the toothbrush 40 includes one ormore illumination circuits. In some embodiments, an illumination circuitcan be positioned within the chamber 100 or any other location of thetoothbrush 40.

As illustrated schematically in FIG. 11, the illumination circuit 80includes a lighting element 107 (or sensory element), a resistor 82, atiming circuit 84 and a power source 86. The illumination circuit 80 mayalso include a switch 87. These parts are preferably joined byconductors, which may serve structural functions. FIGS. 12A-12C show oneembodiment of an illuminating member conductor 88 that provides asupport structure extending the lighting element 107 a distance awayfrom the timing circuit 84. The negative terminal conductor 90 is aspring which presses against the power source 86 (FIG. (13). Thepositive terminal conductor 92 extends away from the timing circuit 84to embrace one or more. For example, in one embodiment, the positiveterminal conductor 92 embraces three batteries. The positive terminalconductor 92 may also be also sized to stabilize the illuminationcircuit 80 within one or more enclosures located within the body of thetoothbrush.

In one embodiment, the lighting element 107 is a light emitting diode(LED). Alternatively, the lighting element 107 can be an incandescentlightbulb or any other device capable of providing illumination and/orother sensory output.

In a preferred embodiment, the power source 86 includes one or morebatteries (e.g., micro cell model number G3-ACNB). For example, threebatteries can be placed in serial within the space defined by negativeterminal conductor 90 and positive terminal conductor 92 (FIG. 13). Insome embodiments, the timing circuit 84 functions to illuminate thelighting element 107 for approximately 60 seconds. The lighting element107 can also be configured to blink intermittently for the time periodduring which it is activated. Alternately, the lighting element 107 orother sensory output may remain activated continuously. It will also beappreciated that the time period during which the lighting element 107remains activated may be less or more than 60 seconds.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the grip portion 94 of the toothbrush body 50may comprise a flexible material. Preferably, the grip portion 94 alsofunctions as a switch. Thus, as shown in the depicted embodiment, thegrip portion 94 may include an extending piece or switch 96 of flexiblematerial. Such a piece 96 moves the positive terminal metal conductor 92so that it contacts the power source 86. Alternatively, the piece 96 maymove the power source 86 so that it contacts the positive terminal metalconductor 92. Consequently, the piece 94 moves the illumination circuit80 from an unilluminated position to a luminated position. The gripportion 94 can be made of a flexible material (e.g., rubber, softplastic, etc.). Alternatively, the grip portion 94 may be constructed ofone or more hard materials, but may have a flexible portion that may beused to engage the positive terminal conductor 92 to contact the powersource 86.

The illustrated decorative element 66 floats in the fluid 102. Anynumber of decorative elements can be utilized. For example, thetoothbrush 40 can contain at least three decorative elements floating inthe fluid 102. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 10, thefluid may include a plurality of “snow” elements 68 that move within theone or more chambers 100 of the toothbrush. The “snow” elements 68 arepreferably configured to easily move within the chambers 100 when thetoothbrush is used or handled, such as for example, when a user isbrushing his or her teeth. As depicted, the “snow” elements 68 have agenerally square shape. However, it will be appreciated that the “snow”elements 68 may have any other shape, either in lieu of or in additionto square. For example, the “snow” elements 68 may include arectangular, circular, triangular, star-shaped, elongated and/or othershape. The “snow” elements 68 may be manufactured from plastic, ceramic,sand and/or other durable materials.

With reference again to FIG. 1, the body 50 can comprise any materialsuitable for forming a toothbrush 40. Transparent materials can beutilized so as to permit a person to view the fluids 102, 104, and theelongated member 106. For example, the body 50 can comprise a somewhatclear hard plastic that can be formed, for example, by a molding process(e.g., an injection molding process, a compression molding process,etc.). Alternatively, the toothbrush can comprise opaque materials. Thebody 50 can comprise polymers, metals, combinations thereof, or othermaterials having suitable mechanical properties for forming the body 50.The illustrated body 50 is a handle that can be conveniently gripped tohold the toothbrush 40.

The closure 60 is removably coupled to the body 50 and forms a bottom200 of the toothbrush 40. As used herein, the term “closure” is a broadterm and is used in its ordinary meaning and includes, withoutlimitation, a cap, a cover, or other structure that can be attached tothe body 50. The somewhat rounded closure 60 provides a self-standingtoothbrush 40. When the toothbrush 40 is not used, the toothbrush 40 canbe in a neutral orientation (e.g., an upright position) when it rests ona support surface 44, such as a bathroom countertop. The closure 60 cancover and conceal the stamp 70. When a person cleans their teeth withthe toothbrush 40, the closure 60 can remain attached to the body 50. Atany time the closure 60 can be removed to use the stamp 70.

When the closure 60 is separated from the body 50, the stamp 70 isexposed as shown in FIG. 2. The stamp 70 can comprise one or moreindicia 110 that are configured to make a stamp image when the stamp 70is pressed on a surface, such as a person's skin. As used herein, theterm “stamp” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary meaning andincludes, without limitation, self-inking stamps, pre-inked stamps,stamps for use with separate inkpads, roller stamps, and other type ofstamps for making an image. The stamp 70 may or may not beinterchangeable with another stamp. A single toothbrush 40 can be usedin combination with a single stamp or a plurality of stamps. The stampcan comprise rubber, polymers, or other material suitable for forming astamp.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the indicium 110 can comprise one ormore of the following: a character (illustrated), text, a pattern, asymbol, a picture, or other stamping feature(s), as are known in theart. In some embodiments, the stamp 70 comprises indicia 110 in the formof text. For example, the indicia 110 can comprise text that indicatesthat a person has brushed their teeth. Alternatively, the indicium 110can be related to the decorative element 66 of the toothbrush 40. Insome embodiments, for example, the indicium 110 is a depiction of thedecorative elements 66. The indicium 110 can protrude from the stamp 70as known in the art.

Referring to FIG. 3, the body 50 comprises a body-mounting portion 130that holds permanently or temporarily the stamp 70. The stamp 70 can besecurely attached to a mounting surface 132 of the body-mounting portion130. Any suitable mounting arrangement can couple the stamp 70 to thebody-mounting portion 130. For example, adhesives, mechanical fasteners,press fittings, snap fittings, or other suitable coupling means can beemployed to couple securely the stamp 70 to the body-mounting portion130. In some embodiments, the stamp 70 is temporarily attached to thebody-mounting portion 130. The stamp 70 can be removed and replaced withanother stamp. Alternatively, the stamp 70 can be monolithically formedwith the body.

In some embodiments, the closure 60 is temporarily secured to thebody-mounting portion 130. A closure-mounting portion 140 of the closure60 is releasably coupled to the body-mounting portion 130 of the body50. The closure-mounting portion 140 can have threads that areconfigured to mate with corresponding threads of the body-mountingportion 130. As such, the closure 60 can be screwed on and off of thebody 50 as desired.

Alternatively, the closure-mounting portion 140 and the body-mountingportion 130 can each have snap coupling structure. The closure 60 can beconveniently snapped on and off of the body 50. It is contemplated thatthe body-mounting portion 130 and the closure-mounting portion 140 canhave any suitable arrangement for temporarily securing the closure 60 tothe body 50.

The closure 60 can have an ink source 144 that is positioned andconfigured to deposit ink on the stamp 70. When the closure 60 isattached to the body-mounting portion 130 as illustrated, the stamp 70can press against the ink source 144 so that ink is deposited on thestamp 70. The closure 60 can be removed to expose the inked stamp 70.The outwardly facing indicium or indicia 110 can be pressed against asurface to leave an image.

The ink source 144 can be in the form of an inkpad preferably containingink. Non-limiting exemplary ink sources 144 can also include inksponges, ink reservoirs, or other suitable ink storage devices. The typeand location of the ink source 144 can be selected based on the type ofstamp employed. The ink source 144 may or may not be refillable and/orreplaceable.

The illustrated ink source 144 mates with the outwardly facing surfaceof the stamp 70. However, the ink source 144 can be positioned withinthe body-mounting portion 130 to supply ink to the stamp 70 in the formof a self-inking stamp. To make each impression, the ink source 144re-inks the self-inking stamp 70. The toothbrush 40 may have anactuating mechanism to move the stamp 70 into engagement with the inksource 144. Alternatively, the stamp 70 can be a pre-inked stamp,wherein the ink source 144 is a reservoir of ink positioned behind thestamp 70. Ink from the reservoir 144 can saturate the stamp 70. Ink isdeposited by the stamp 70 to make an impression on a surface.

The ink source 144 can be at any suitable location for delivering ink tothe stamp 70 and can contain permanent ink, temporary ink, quick dryink, or other suitable ink for use with a stamp. In some embodiments,the toothbrush does not have an ink source. For example, the stamp 70can be used with a separate ink pad that is not attached to thetoothbrush.

A kit can be provided with one or more of the following: instructionsfor use, a toothbrush, a stamp, and an ink source. Packaging can beprovided to hold the components of the kit. The stamp and the ink padmay or may not be attached to the toothbrush. In some embodiments, thekit comprises an assortment of stamps, each configured to produce adifferent image.

With respect again to FIG. 1, the toothbrush 40 can have the bottom 200and a weight distribution such that the toothbrush is self-standing.When the toothbrush 40 is in a non-neutral position (FIG. 4), thetoothbrush moves, as indicated by the arrow 202, from the non-neutralposition to the neutral position (FIG. 5). The toothbrush 40 has aneutral position corresponding to a generally upright position when thetoothbrush 40 rests on a surface, the toothbrush biases towards itsneutral position. However, the toothbrush 40 can be in orderorientations when it is occupying its neutral position. The bottom 200can be weighted and contoured to ensure that the toothbrush 40 occupiesa neutral position when an external force is not applied to thetoothbrush 40.

With reference again to FIG. 3, the closure 60 can include one or moreself-standing weights 210 that are preferably positioned near the bottomsurface 212. The illustrated bottom surface 212 forms a generallyrounded closure 60 that can easily roll along a support surface. Theweight 210 can comprise a relatively dense material, such as metal(e.g., steel, iron, lead, etc.) or other somewhat dense materials. Assuch, when the toothbrush 40 is in the non-neutral position, gravity canact on the weight 210 to move the toothbrush 40 to its neutral position.The mass, position, material density, and other properties of the weight210 or bottom 200 can be selected to achieve a desired center of gravityof the toothbrush 40. The location of the center of gravity of thetoothbrush 40 and the closure configuration can be selected to result ina self-standing toothbrush 40.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the self-standingfeatures described herein may be incorporated into a toothbrush thatdoes not include a stamp. Further, the self-standing features may beincluded in a toothbrush that does not comprise a grip configured toactivate a lighting element or other sensory device. Thus, in someembodiments, a simple toothbrush that does not include a stamp, acharacter and/or an illuminating member may be configured to assume agenerally upright position when the toothbrush rests on a surface.

The bottom surface of the toothbrush can define a partially sphericalsurface. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 6A, the closure 197 has a bottom surface 198 that has a generallyflat portion 199. FIG. 6B illustrates a closure 209 that comprises aplurality of curved surfaces 215, 217, 219, 221, 223. Any number ofcurved surface, flat surfaces, and combinations thereof can be utilizedfor a desired neutral position.

Alternatively, the toothbrush can be configured to assume a verticalneutral position by using one or more magnetic members. In someembodiments, the toothbrush can include one or more magnets of a firstpolarity near its bottom portion, such as, for example, at or in thevicinity of the closure 60 (FIG. 3). A first portion of the supportstructure 44 on which the toothbrush rests may include one or moremagnets of a second polarity, opposite of the first polarity, so as tocreate an attractive magnetic force between the toothbrush and the thisfirst portion of the support structure 44. In addition, the supportstructure 44 can include an area surrounding the first portion thatincludes one or more magnets of a first polarity that repels the magnetssituated on the toothbrush. In one embodiment, this surrounding area ofthe support member 44 may be a circular magnetic ring thatconcentrically and continuously surrounds the first portion of thesupport structure 44. Thus, the support structure 44 can be a dedicatedplate on which the toothbrush can be placed. The resulting repellingmagnetic forces between the support structure 44 and the toothbrush actto maintain the toothbrush in a vertical or substantially verticalorientation.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict another embodiment of the toothbrush, which maybe generally similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-6B,except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements areidentified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of theembodiments of FIGS. 1-6B.

The closure 260 comprises the stamp 270. The stamp 270 engages an inksource 280 positioned adjacent the stamp 270. To use a stamp 270, a usercan pull the closure 260 from the body-mounting portion 130, and thestamp 270 can be pressed against a surface to leave an impression. It iscontemplated that ink can be deposited on the stamp 270 in any manner.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a toothbrush 300 that is not self-standing. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the toothbrush 300 comprises a first portion301 and a second portion 302. The first portion 301 is releasablycoupled to the second portion 302. When the first portion 301 isseparated from the second portion 302, a stamp 310 is exposed. As shownin FIGS. 8B and 8C, the stamp 310 is attached to the first portion 301.Alternatively, the stamp can be attached to the second portion 302,although not illustrated.

The illustrated second portion 302 is generally in the form of a closureconfigured to cover the stamp 310. The second portion 302 can be movedaway from the first portion 301, as indicated by the arrow 312 of FIG.8B. Then user can then stamp a surface, such as the back of their hand,to make an impression thereon. After the user has used the stamp, thesecond portion 302 can be reattached to the first portion 301. Thetoothbrush 300 can be used to repeatedly make any number of impressionson any surface.

In FIG. 9A, the bottom portion of the toothbrush 40 is configured to fitwithin a receiving stand 410. In the illustrated embodiment, thereceiving stand 410 includes two support members 420 that contact thesupport structure 44. The receiving stand 410 can be constructed of oneor more rigid or semi-rigid materials, such as, for example, plastic,metal or the like. The interior cavity of the shell 414 of the receivingstand 410 is preferably configured to match the exterior shape of thetoothbrush base, so as to provide a substantially snug fit. This ensuresthat the toothbrush will not unnecessarily wobble or otherwise movewhile positioned within the receiving stand 410. As shown in FIG. 9A,the shell 414 of the receiving stand 410 may include one or more holes418 along its surface. The holes 418 may provide a decorative and/or afunctional purpose. For example, the holes 418 may serve as outlets forair, water or other fluid present within the receiving stand 410 as thetoothbrush is being placed in or removed from the receiving stand 410.

In FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, the receiving stand 410 includes two supportmembers 420, which are shaped like human feet. Of course, the supportmembers 420 can have any other shape. In addition, a receiving stand 410may include fewer or more support members 420 than shown in theillustrated embodiments. For example, a single support member 420 may beused. Alternatively, the receiving stand 410 can comprise three or moresupport members 420. In other embodiments, the receiving stand 410 maynot have any support members at all. Instead, the bottom of thereceiving stand 410 can be configured to be securely positioned on thesupport structure 44. Regardless of the exact shape, size, dimensions,materials of construction and other characteristics of the receivingstand 410 and/or the support members 420, the receiving stand 410 ispreferably configured to resist tipping when the toothbrush 40 ispositioned within it.

The various methods and techniques described above provide a number ofways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be understood thatnot necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be achievedin accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods may beperformed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or groupof advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otherobjectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeabilityof various features from different embodiments disclosed herein. Thetoothbrushes may or may not be self-standing and may or may not comprisea stamp. For example, the toothbrushes described herein can beself-standing without a stamp. In some embodiments, the stamp ispositioned along a side of the toothbrush. The toothbrushes can have anynumber of stamps at any suitable location along the toothbrush. Othertypes of brushes can be self-standing and/or comprise a stamp. Forexample, the brushes described above can be modified to form hairbrushes. Alternatively, the stamp can be attached to other hygieneproducts, such as flossers, containers (e.g., mouthwash containers),picks, interdental brushes, or other hygiene products, including, butnot limited to, dental products.

Similarly, the various features and steps discussed above, as well asother known equivalents for each such feature or step, can be mixed andmatched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods inaccordance with principles described herein. Additionally, the methodswhich is described and illustrated herein is not limited to the exactsequence of acts described, nor is it necessarily limited to thepractice of all of the acts set forth. Other sequences of events oracts, or less than all of the events, or simultaneous occurrence of theevents, may be utilized in practicing the embodiments of the invention.

Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certainembodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the invention is notintended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferredembodiments herein.

1. A toothbrush comprising: an upper portion having a plurality ofbristles configured to clean teeth; and a lower portion being removablycoupled to the upper portion, wherein when the lower portion isseparated from the upper portion, a stamp is exposed.
 2. The toothbrushof claim 1, wherein the stamp is coupled to the upper portion.
 3. Thetoothbrush of claim 1, wherein the stamp is coupled to the lowerportion.
 4. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein at least one of the lowerportion and the upper portion comprises an ink source.
 5. The toothbrushof claim 4, wherein the ink source comprises an ink pad or an inkreservoir.
 6. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the lower portion is arounded closure.
 7. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the toothbrush isa self-standing toothbrush that moves to a generally upright positionwhen the toothbrush is placed upon a support surface.
 8. The toothbrushof claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises a handle.
 9. Thetoothbrush of claim 1, further comprising a stand member, said standmember configured to receive the lower portion and maintain thetoothbrush in a substantially vertical position.
 10. The toothbrush ofclaim 9, wherein the stand member comprises at least one support member.11. The toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising at least oneillumination circuit, said illumination circuit comprising at least onelighting element and a switch.
 12. The toothbrush of claim 11, whereinthe illumination circuit further comprises a timing circuit.
 13. Aself-standing toothbrush comprising: a toothbrush head comprising aplurality of cleaning elements; and a body having an upper end and abottom, the head being coupled to the upper end of the body, the bottomis configured such that the toothbrush assumes a neutral position whengravity acts on the toothbrush resting on a support surface.
 14. Thetoothbrush of claim 13, wherein the bottom is sufficiently heavy tocause the toothbrush to bias to a generally upright position when thetoothbrush is placed on a generally flat support surface.
 15. Thetoothbrush of claim 13, further comprising a base on which thetoothbrush is configured to be positioned, wherein the bottom comprisesat least one magnet and the base comprises at least one repelling magnetto cause the toothbrush to bias to a generally upright position when thetoothbrush is placed on the base.
 16. The toothbrush of claim 13,wherein the bottom comprises a closure that is temporarily coupled to abody-mounting portion of the body, when the closure is separated fromthe body-mounting portion a stamp is exposed, when the closure isattached to the body-mounting portion the stamp is covered.
 17. Thetoothbrush of claim 13, further comprising at least one illuminationcircuit, said illumination circuit comprising at least one lightingelement and a switch.
 18. The toothbrush of claim 17, wherein theillumination circuit further comprises a timing circuit.
 19. A standmember configured to receive and support a toothbrush in a generallyvertical position, said stand member comprising: a shell portioncomprising an internal space into which a toothbrush can be positioned;and at least one support member attached to the shell portion andconfigured to maintain the position of the stand member on a generallyflat surface.
 20. The stand member of claim 19, wherein the at least onesupport member is shaped like a foot.
 21. The stand member of claim 19,wherein the shell comprises at least one opening.
 22. The toothbrush ofclaim 19, further comprising at least one illumination circuit, saidillumination circuit comprising at least one lighting element and aswitch.